With warmer temperatures in the forecast this week, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) is pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Heat-Related Illness brochure. Individuals taking psychiatric medication can be at an increased risk for heat-related illness. Learn more about the medications that can impair the heat response and steps you can take to prevent heat-related illness HERE.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is also promoting preparedness and resilience when it comes to extreme heat with the #BeatTheHeatOhio summer safety series on Ohio EMA’s social media accounts. Click HERE to learn how staying safe this summer can be a breeze. The Ohio Department of Health also issued tips on how Ohioans can stay safe during extreme heat.

“Summertime in Ohio is a perfect opportunity to explore all that Ohio has to offer, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with high temperatures,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage you to stay informed of heat advisories, drink plenty of water, check on older neighbors, and have a plan if the heat becomes too much.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) recently announced more than $88 million in funding to help nearly a dozen Appalachian school districts improve public health and enhance workforce development in their areas. 

OFCC is awarding the funds as part of the Appalachian Community Innovation Centers Program, which was created in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly. The goal of the program is to create full-service centers for public education, community health services, and career development in Appalachia Ohio. 

Funding will cover expenses related to the construction of four new school-based community wellness, education, and career development centers in Mahoning, Jefferson, Noble, and Brown counties. Seven existing school-district sites will be renovated or expanded to provide services in Belmont, Carroll, Lawrence, Gallia, Perry, Trumbull, and Clermont counties. 

Each center will provide programming and services that could include in-demand job training; Ohio Means Jobs support; classrooms and computer labs; walk-in health and mental health clinics; on-site dental services; and wellness, physical health, and training space. The new centers will be open to any Ohioan who needs assistance, including those living the school districts receiving the awards. 

The Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment Coalition of Southwest Ohio is hosting a virtual Problem Gambling CEU Day on June 28 from 9:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m. Featured presentations include: Problem Gambling and Suicide Lethality, Financial Awareness and Gambling, and Integrating Problem Gambling Prevention with Substance Misuse Prevention. This training offers a total of 4.5 CEUs. For more information, contact Gregory Stewart at 513.520.5203 or email stewargy@ucmail.uc.edu. 

There are only three weeks left to register for the 2024 Peer Recovery Summit hosted by Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO). The summit will take place on July 29-30 at the Hilton Columbus Polaris at 8700 Lyra Dr., Columbus, OH 43240. Join peer recovery supporters and other recovery advocates from across Ohio and the country for two days of education, transformation, and celebration. Cost is $75. Registration is limited to 550 attendees. Attendees will receive participation credits that can be used towards recertification. 

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) has announced two upcoming suicide prevention trainings for providers. Click the links below for more information and to register. Questions? Email Austin Lucas at austin.lucas@ohiospf.org. 

Aug. 9 | Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (Columbus)
Aug. 22 | Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (Zanesville)

OhioMHAS and Prevention Action Alliance are partnering to host the 2024 Ohio Prevention Conference on Aug. 19-20 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus. The conference is the premier educational opportunity for prevention specialists, health educators, business professionals, and community members dedicated to fostering a healthier environment. Attendees will engage with cutting-edge prevention science, hone skills in implementing evidence-based strategies, and forge connections with diverse sectors from across Ohio through meaningful networking.